TDA 2026 Drug Discovery and Development Internship – Intern to Full Time (Ph.D.)

100 Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company‑sponsored 401(k)

Pension

Vacation benefits

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Lilly, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, seeks PhD‑level students to join our Drug Discovery or Development teams. You will contribute to bio assay development, testing, synthesis, and formulation in a world‑class pharmaceutical environment, with opportunities to shape innovative medicines for patients.

Enrolled in a PhD program with relevant concentration and expected graduation by December 2027, you should also have completed a Drug Discovery and Development Internship.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a PhD program with a concentration in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Expected graduation by December 2027.
• Completion of a Drug Discovery and Development Internship.

Responsibilities

• Bio assay development
• Biological testing of compounds
• Organic and Peptide synthesis
• Chemical Modality
• Molecular biology
• Protein expression
• Purification, characterization, analytical methods and formulation
• Flow chemistry
• Project management
• Drug product design and performance
• Drug product manufacturing process development

Skills

Team player

Communication

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

PhD candidate in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life‑changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.

Responsibilities Overview

Lilly provides a unique opportunity to work in the Drug Discovery or Development areas of a world-class pharmaceutical company. We are looking for students majoring in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutics or a related discipline to join our team of scientists. With Lilly you will have an opportunity to diversify your skillset while contributing to cutting edge research.

Your work may include but not limited to the following:

• Bio assay development
• Biological testing of compounds
• Organic and Peptide synthesis
• Chemical Modality
• Molecular biology
• Protein expression
• Purification, characterization, analytical methods and formulation
• Flow chemistry
• Project management
• Drug product design and performance
• Drug product manufacturing process development

The majority of our positions are located at our corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, IN with some opportunities at other sites. Work at Lilly will provide provide the opportunity to actively contribute to the Discovery or Development organization, build a more comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and the role Eli Lilly and Company scientists play in delivering innovative medicines to patients.

Basic Qualifications Requirements

Enrolled in a PhD program with a concentration in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline. Expected graduation by December 2027. Successful completion of a Drug Discovery and Development Internship.

You don't have to be an expert in the pharmaceutical Industry to join Lilly. First and foremost, Lilly is seeking leaders who have passion; a passion for innovation, a passion for making a difference in people’s lives and a passion for learning, development and global leadership. We seek self-starting individuals who demonstrate decision-making, project management and data analysis skills. Strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical skills are also needed to perform successfully.

Additional Preferences

• Team player with excellent communication skills
• Previous laboratory or pharmaceutical research experience

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include:

• Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA)
• Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly)
• Chinese Culture Network (CCN)
• EnAble
• Evolve
• Lilly Indian Network (LIN)
• Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA)
• Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies)
• Veterans Leadership Network (VLN)
• Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL)

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $58,000 - $222,200. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).

• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
• flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
• life insurance and death benefits
• certain time off and leave of absence benefits
• well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

#WeAreLilly At Lilly we strive to ensure our employees are part of a team that cares about them and our shared purpose of making life better for those around the world. How do we do this? We continue to look for ways to include, innovate, accelerate and deliver while maintaining integrity, excellence and respect for people. We hope that you seek to join us on our journey as we create medicine and deliver improved outcomes for patients across the globe!